Allen Eugene Murfin, 85, passed away peacefully on
June 10, 2024 at his home in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. He was born on September
29, 1938, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of John Larkin Murfin and Lois
Pauline (Epperson) Murfin Bacon.
Allen
is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Carolyn “Kay” (Murfin)0
Holzmann. He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; their three daughters,
Christina Wehmeyer (Randy) of Columbia, MO, JoAnn Stodden of Davis, CA, and
Marcie Scott (Jeff) of Holly Lake Ranch, TX; eight grandchildren, two
great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.
In
1955, his family moved to Liberty, Missouri where Allen, fondly known as Tony,
graduated from Liberty High School in 1956. Several years later, on a blind
date, he was introduced to a beautiful, young nurse named Evelyn Rottinghaus.
They were married on May 25, 1963 and are blessed to have shared 61 years filled
with love, laughter, and wonderful memories with their three daughters.
Allen
is known for his life of service and storytelling abilities. He spent several
years after high school serving his country, first in the Army Reserves and
then, as a radio operator in the Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge in
1962, Allen worked for Massey Ferguson Inc. and began serving his community in
Gladstone, Missouri. He then went to work for the Missouri Jaycees and held
several leadership positions before moving the family and taking a job as
Executive Vice President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in 1975. In 1980,
he became the Vice President of the National Food and Energy Council, and then
moved on to become President/CEO of the Southwest Hardware and Implement
Association whose headquarters were in Ft. Worth, TX. He retired from the
Southwest Association in 2004 and moved with Evelyn to Holly Lake Ranch.
Allen’s
contributions extended beyond his successful career. At the age of 66, he became
a volunteer firefighter for the Holly Lake Fire Department and served the
community for almost 20 years. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic
Church, serving as an usher, lector, member of the Knights of Columbus, and was
instrumental in starting their Food Bank Ministry. Also a member of the Marine
Corps League, Al served as the contact for the Toys for Tots program and placed0
wreaths on the graves of veterans in the local cemetery on Memorial Day and
Veteran’s Day for the Wreaths Across America project.
Allen’s
greatest joy was the family he built with Evelyn. He will be greatly missed by
his family, friends and the many associates he met over the years. His legend
and love will live on in the stories they share about him.
A vigil service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1612 FM2869, Holly Lake Ranch, TX on August 7 at 6 p.m. On August 8 at 9:30 a.m. there will be a rosary followed by a funeral mass at Holy Spirit. A military honor burial is planned for August 9 at 3:15 p.m. at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas.
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